Ibiza vs Mallorca | Which Island Is Best For You?

The islands off the east coast of Spain (aka the Balearic Islands) are some of my favorite places to visit. From biggest to smallest, these islands are: Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza.

We’ve visited both Mallorca and Ibiza, and I was a little surprised at how different they felt (considering how close they are to each other).

We loved our time on both islands; however, each has its own unique vibe with distinct types of activities (although both boast stunning beaches).

This post is to provide our take on Ibiza vs Mallorca to help you know which Balearic Island is best for you!

*There are affiliate links in this post.  Read my privacy/disclosure policy to learn more.

✈️OUR IBIZA & MALLORCA FAVORITES✈️

IBIZA:

🤿 FAMILY-FOCUSED Boat Trip with Snorkeling and Paella: 'Meet The Sea' Family Boat/Snorkeling Trip

⛵ Super Fun Boat Trip with Snorkeling in Ibiza: 3-Hour, All Inclusive Boat/Snorkel Trip with Drinks 

🛏️ Ibiza Villa: Can Tam Tam (they only have an Instagram for booking right now)

🛏️ Another affordable Ibiza Villa: Apartmentos Nort: 1, 2 & 3 bedroom options. Located in Portinatx with an amazing pool & GORGEOUS views. Perfect for families.

MALLORCA:

⛵ Catamaran Cruise in Mallorca with Snorkeling, SUPs, Floaties and Tapas: Mallorca Catamaran Small Group Cruise with Tapas 4-hours

⛱️ Discover Gorgeous Beaches and Coves in Mallorca: A unique experience on the Best Beaches and Coves of Mallorca

🛏️ Mallorca Agrotourism Hotel (with multiple bedrooms & kitchen): Son Alzines Agrotourism (it's one of our all-time favorite places we've stayed)

📸 Tours/Excursions: Viator & Get Your Guide
🚕 Airport Transfers with Car Seats: Welcome Pickups
👉 Travel Strollers: Zoe Traveler & Zoe Double
🍼 Baby Carriers: Tula Carriers, Wildride Hip Carriers 
📱 International Data Phone eSIM: Airalo
🚗 Cheap Rental Cars: Economy Bookings
🏠 Accomodations: Booking, Expedia, VRBO, Airbnb
🌎 Travel Insurance: World Nomads
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the above link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

*There are affiliate links in this post.  Read my privacy/disclosure policy to learn more.

The Short Answer

In my opinion…

Ibiza is a great option if you plan to spend almost all of your time at the beach (or partying).

Mallorca is a great option if you want more than just beach time and also want to visit orange groves/olive groves, go hiking, soak in gorgeous mountain views, explore beautiful villages, and even discover multiple archaeological sites (plus have options for partying if you’re interested).

Is Mallorca or Ibiza Better for Families?

Having visited both Mallorca with kids and Ibiza with kids, I say that both destinations can easily be family-friendly. However, if I were to recommend one island over the other, I would recommend Mallorca.

Mallorca has a more relaxed, down-to-earth feel than Ibiza and has a greater variety of things to do. The mountains of Mallorca are totally stunning, and I literally daydream of being back at the renovated olive garden farmhouse we stayed in.

However, if you ONLY want to spend time at the beach, Ibiza is equally as great as Mallorca! We had plenty of beach and pool time during our visits to both islands.

Overall Vibe Comparison of Ibiza and Mallorca

When I think of Ibiza, I think of chill countryside, hippy boutique shops, big parties, crystal clear, soft, sandy beaches, and super fun boat trips (no mountains).

When I think of Mallorca, I think of epic mountains, stunning hilltop towns, picturesque villages, beautiful coves, and (also) fun boat trips.

The most common stereotype of Ibiza is that it’s a super huge party island (which is true). Even though Ibiza has a huge party scene, it also has a big hippy/yoga/market scene.

We’ve visited Ibiza with kids and wouldn’t have even known about the huge party scene had it not been for some billboards along the road.

Mallorca also has a heavy reputation for partying just outside of Palma in S’Arenal and Magaluf. However, we’ve visited Mallorca with kids and didn’t encounter any partying, but if that’s what you are looking for, you can find it.

In Mallorca, we had the dreamiest time swimming in gorgeous coves and relaxing by the pool surrounded by mountains at one of our most favorite accommodations we’ve ever stayed at: Son Alzines.

But we also loved our villa in Ibiza, which was perfectly sized for our family and had a lovely pool. You can only book that via Instagram, but these villas are easy to book and look just as lovely: Apartmentos Nort or Casa Vilde.

Ease of Getting There

Ibiza:

You can easily access Ibiza via non-stop flights from all over Europe (including mainland Spain) or from all over the world with just one stop.

You can also access Ibiza via a ferry from 3 locations in mainland Spain, plus Mallorca (the neighboring island).

We flew into Ibiza from a connecting flight in Amsterdam.

Via Airplane to Ibiza:

• Direct flights from 87 airports within Europe
• Flights with only one stop from hundreds of cities worldwide

Travel Times Via Ferry to Ibiza:

• Barcelona (~8 hours)
• Valencia (~5-8 hours)
• Denia (~2-3 hours)
• Mallorca (~2.5 hours)

Mallorca:

You can also easily access Mallorca via non-stop flights from all over Europe (including mainland Spain) or from all over the world with just one stop. You can even fly direct from the US from Newark, NY!

You can also access Mallorca via a ferry from the same 3 locations in mainland Spain, plus its two neighboring islands: Menorca and Ibiza.

We flew into Mallorca via a direct flight from Denmark.

Via Airplane to Mallorca:

• Direct flights from 176 airports within Europe
• Flights with only one stop from hundreds of cities worldwide

Travel Times Via Ferry to Mallorca:

• Barcelona (~7.5 hours)
• Valencia (~5-8 hours)
• Denia (~5 hours)
• Menorca (~1-5 hours)
• Ibiza (~2.5 hours)

Size/Driving Times in Ibiza and Mallorca

Ibiza

The population of Ibiza is around 160,000 people; however, that obviously is inflated during the summer with tourists.

The longest drives in Ibiza from coast to coast (both directions) will vary between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Mallorca

The population of Mallorca is approximately six times that of Ibiza, at around 960,000 people (with a higher number during the summer as well).

Compared to Ibiza, the drives can be much longer in Mallorca, with it taking about 1.5 hours to get from coast to coast (both directions).

Both islands offer public transportation options; however, you will get the most out of your visit if you choose to rent a car.

Our favorite site to search for car rentals is Economy Bookings. They always seem to be less expensive than any other search engine ( even compared to booking directly).

Cost Comparison of Ibiza and Majorca

We traveled to both of these Balearic Islands in the shoulder season of late May to mid June, so keep that in mind because prices will be higher in July, August, and early September.

In short, (for mid-range accommodations during the shoulder season) I’d expect to pay around 200 euros per night for a lovely place in Mallorca, while you may have to pay 300-350 euros per night for a similar place in Ibiza.

Our favorite-ever, most beautiful accommodations we stayed at in Mallorca (Son Alzines) only cost 230 euros per night for a 2-bedroom apartment, and their 1-bedroom apartments were under 200 euros per night.

Check out how beautiful the place is for yourself here ( and trust me, it’s even more beautiful than the photos, and the vibe is amazing).

Our beautiful villa in Ibiza with 1 bedroom cost only slightly more at 250 euros per night; however, that was for a smaller unit, and I feel like the price was a bit of a fluke. All of the other places we looked at were more expensive.

Another amazing, comparable villa in Ibiza (Apartmentos Nort) is the more expected price of around 300-350 euros per night in the shoulder season.

We found eating out in Ibiza to be more expensive than in Mallorca. There are a lot of cute restaurants on the beaches and in the countryside, but they always seemed to be around 25-30 euros for an entree.

Groceries in Ibiza also generally cost more than in Mallorca. And I hear partying in Ibiza can get very expensive very quickly, so if that is a concern for you, you may want to look up ways to save money partying in Ibiza.

Ibiza Vs Mallorca: Cities/Villages

Ibiza:

Ibiza has two main picturesque villages to explore, and they are a must-do while on the island.

The most popular village is Dalt Vila, or the Old Town of Ibiza Town. It is a fortified city, that you must still enter through large gates dating back to the 1500s. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Within the gates of Dalt Villa, you’ll find beautiful alleyways lined by whitewashed buildings with pops of color, tasteful shops, and plenty of super cute restaurants (not to mention actual, beautiful neighborhoods that people still live in).

The other main village in Ibiza to explore is Santa Gertrudis. It is much smaller than Dalt Villa (mainly one shopping/eating street), but still very charming.

Mallorca:

Mallorca is FULL of amazing, quaint Spanish villages, and I love it so much.

You’ll find gorgeous villages surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, olive vineyards, and orange groves (such as Søller & Valldemossa), plus beautiful seaside villages (such as Cala Figuera) and even villages with a medieval wall still surrounding the city (such as Old Town Alcudia).

To read more about some of these gorgeous villages in Mallorca, check out this post: 10 of the Most Beautiful Places in Mallorca Spain.

Mallorca Vs Ibiza: Beaches

Ibiza:

Ibiza really has some beautiful beaches. The water is absolutely crystal clear and a bright blue and the sand is soft and white.

There are both beautiful coves lined with old boat houses, plus you’ll find more typical long stretches of sand lined with amenities.

Every beach we went to was perfect for snorkeling, playing, and sunbathing. You can read more and see more photos about our favorite beaches in Ibiza in this guide: 7 of the Most Beautiful Places in Ibiza Spain To Escape the Party Scene.

4 Beaches You Can’t Miss in Ibiza:

• Cala d’Hort
• Cala Gracioneta
• Cala Comte
• Cala Saladeta

Mallorca:

Like Ibiza, Mallorca is also full of gorgeous beaches. The water is crystal clear and a stunning blue, and the sand is white and soft.

Mallorca also has stunning coves with fishermen’s boat houses, along with long stretches of sand lined with restaurants/ shops etc.

You can read about and see more photos of the beaches we loved in Mallorca here: 10 of The Most Beautiful Places in Mallorca Spain.

4 Beaches You Can’t Miss in Mallorca:

• Cala Llombards
• Cala Molins
• Playa de Formentor
• Sa Calobra/Torrent de Pareis

Ibiza or Mallorca: Natural Landscape

Ibiza:

Ibiza is relatively flat with quaint countryside between towns and some large hills. The coasts are lined with gorgeous beaches, blue water, and a few picturesque villages.

Mallorca:

Mallorca is much larger and offers much more diversity in landscape than Ibiza.

The central part of Mallorca is full of beautiful countryside, the coasts are dotted with picturesque beaches and coves with blue water, and the entire east side of Mallorca is comprised of the gorgeous Tramuntana Mountain range (one of my favorite places) with many picturesque villages throughout.

Majorca or Ibiza: Water Excursions

When in Ibiza or Mallorca, you MUST get out on the water (it will probably be the highlight of your trip!).

We had one of our favorite ever family experiences snorkeling in open water in Ibiza on a boat trip made just for families!

Below, I will list some of the best water excursions I’ve either experienced or looked into in both Ibiza and Mallorca.

Ibiza Water Excursions:

• 🚤 Catamaran Trip to Formentera Island from Ibiza with Snorkeling & SUP: Super fun, full-day catamaran trip to Formentera (the more remote island next to Ibiza)
• 🤿 Meet the Sea Family Boat/Snorkeling Trip in Ibiza: We loved this SUPER fun boat trip made especially for families! Complete with kid-sized life jackets and snorkeling masks, SUPs, authentic Paella lunch, coloring pages, and even an onboard treasure hunt!

• 🤿 3-Hour, All-Inclusive Boat/Snorkel Trip with Drinks in Ibiza: Perfect to relax on the water, snorkel, and enjoy Ibiza from the water!
• ☀️ Sunset Sail in Ibiza with Drinks and Tapas & Optional Snorkeling: Watch the beautiful sunset from the water on this sunset sail with drinks and traditional tapas! You can even snorkel or SUP!
• 🚤 Guided Jet Ski Trip to Cala Salada: Take a 30-minute jet ski trip to see a beautiful cove, Cala Salada.

Mallorca Water Excursions:

• 🚤 4-Hour Catamaran Cruise in Mallorca with Snorkeling, SUPs, Floaties and Tapas: Mallorca Catamaran Small Group Cruise with Tapas 4-hours
• ⛱️ Full-Day Gorgeous Beach and Cove Tour in Mallorca: A unique experience on the Best Beaches and Coves of Mallorca
• ⛵ PRIVATE Sailboat Excursion with Snorkelling, Paella and Drinks!: Perfect for small groups or couples looking for a personal experience

Ibiza or Mallorca: History

Ibiza:

The main historical site we were able to experience in Ibiza was Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dalt Vila is the fortified (walled) old city of Ibiza. It is also the best preserved coastal fortress in the Mediterranean!

Dalt Vila is also home to The Archeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera which was founded in 1907 to preserve the archeological findings of the two islands.

There are also other archeological sites in Ibiza dating back to the 7th or 10th century. You can learn more about archeology in Ibiza on the island’s website here.

mallorca:

Our favorite historical experience we had in Mallorca was walking atop Old Town Alcudia’s city wall that dates back to Medieval Times. Right across the street from Old Town Alcudia is also the archeological site of the Roman City of Pollentia that dates back to the 1st century BC.

There are multiple other archeological sites in Mallorca that would be a shame to miss if you are a history buff. You can learn more about Mallorca’s archeological sites here.

And that’s my take on the question, ‘Is Ibiza or Mallorca better?’. We loved our time on both of the islands, and I hope that this guide helps you decide which is best for you!

☀️BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY IBIZA AND MALLORCA GUIDES☀️

Looking for more about Ibiza, Spain?:

- Our Guide to Ibiza Spain with Kids: The Hidden Side of the Island

- 7 of the Most Beautiful Places in Ibiza Spain To Escape the Party Scene

- Is Ibiza Family Friendly?

- 14 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Ibiza Spain

- Is it Worth It To Visit Ibiza in June?

Looking for more about Mallorca, Spain?

- 15 Amazing things to do in Mallorca with Kids + Map, Itinerary & Tips

- 10 of The Most Beautiful Places in Mallorca Spain

- 14 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Mallorca Spain | Top Travel Tips

- Your Essential Guide to Cala Llombards Beach in Mallorca

- Is it worth it to visit Mallorca in May? 

- 7 Fantastic Things to Do in Old Town Alcudia Mallorca

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